May 13-21, 2023
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparition has been a major influence throughout the Americas such that the Columbian Squires, a youth organization of Knights of Columbus in Mexico wanted to give something back to her. In 1960, a group of young men from Council 2312 in Monterrey, Mexico where the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been erected came up with the idea of running a rose to the Basilica to honor her. The rose is an important part of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The first rose was a natural rose blessed by Bishop John C. Cody of London, Ontario. It was flown to New York where the Grand Knight, Joseph Thomasen received it and took it to the Supreme Knight, Luke E. Hart in Dallas, Texas. The rose was received by the Texas Sate Deputy, Jack Collerin who transferred it to Laredo, Texas for its final journey as it was passed to the Squires from Monterrey, Mexico at the International Bridge there. They ran the rose from there through Sabinas Hidalgo N.L., Mexico to Cienega de Flores and on to the Basilica in Monterrey, Mexico to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for her feast day on December 12, 1960.
We have the privilege of receiving the Silver Rose as it was entrusted to our District Depute of the Knights of Columbus, Frank LaTray. As patroness of the Americas, we who are under her protection are called to witness to the reality that every life is sacred and a gift from God. This Silver Rose that we present before her image will carry with it our prayers to be placed before her image on the tilma of Juan Diego at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on her annual feast.
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